21.   It has been a frustrating world championships for the host nation.

22.   It was extremely important here to avoid the embarrassment of becoming the first host nation not to advance beyond the first round.

23.   It was a night of mixed emotions for the host nation.

24.   Not all host nations are so sensitive.

25.   Plus, the host nation, Japan, long a hotbed of speed skating, has its reputation for building a better mousetrap.

26.   Overseas restrictions can only be imposed by the host foreign nation, and most of them have weaker tobacco regulations than the United States.

27.   So France received no credit for its World Cup title, since it did not play any qualifiers as host nation.

28.   Six times, the host nation has won the championship.

29.   The Americans have qualified automatically as the host nation, and the other countries will be determined by May.

30.   The Chicago Bulls of soccer against the host nation, all giddy and fascinated with itself.